Abstract
The translational energy of desorbed from Si(100) and Si(111) surfaces was measured and found roughly equal to the thermal expectation at the surface temperature . Combining these results with previously measured internal state distributions, the total energy of the desorbed molecules is approximately equal to the equilibrium expectation at . Thus adsorption experiments, which suggest a large energetic barrier, are at variance with desorption experiments, which exhibit a trivial adsorption barrier, and the applicability of detailed balance for this system needs to be reexamined.
- Received 16 June 1993
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.72.1356
©1994 American Physical Society